Japan and the World Need America to Recover from September 11 (Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan)

Today we continue our coverage of the global outpouring in regard to the September 11 anniversary. This article is one of the dozens of stories posted on Worldmeets.US since yesterday.

The funk the United States is currently in is of great concern to U.S. allies like Japan, who depend on American influence for their own security and prosperity. This editorial from Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun illustrates the depth of concern in Tokyo, and what, from a Japanese point of view, would result if the U.S. continues to stumble as it has for the past few years.

In the United States as a result of counterterrorism measures, airport security has become much more aggressive, while prejudice against Muslims and Muslim immigrants has spread. It seems that the great freedom and tolerance that Americans once enjoyed has been lost.

Over 6,000 members of the U.S. armed forces have been killed in the wars. The economic cost of the wars – $1.3 trillion (about ¥100 trillion) – has exacerbated the fiscal crisis occurring alongside them. It has been a decade of struggle for the United States.

Although trends toward a multipolar world will continue, no country other than the United States can play such a central role in dealing with threats like terrorism, which are aimed at destroying the international order.

For the good of Japan and in order to stabilize the region and ensure its prosperity, it is vital that Japan deepen its alliance with the United States.